Student exchanges, sports exchanges, professional exchanges and other international exchange programs lead to the development of cultural understanding, exploration of varied terrain, public diplomacy, and the strengthening of empathetic global concern. These opportunities to venture to other countries, particularly to industrializing Latin American countries, could mean that students from the United States will have a chance to experience life outside of the ultra-consumerist American bubble in order to explore lives that are driven by tradition, customs and history; also, they have the chance to practice language through emergence.

Some exchange programs involve a swap of sorts: institutions partner with other institutions and individuals are given placement. However, that does not necessarily mean that each "exchange" represents an actual exchange of persons. The U.S. government makes foreign programs available so that there is a conversation that can be achieved between local and international experiences. There are a number of privately and publicly funded exchange programs: Fulbright Programs, Critical Language Scholarship Program, International Military Education and Training Programs, Internal Visitor Leadership Program, Peace Corps, People to People Ambassador Program, and InterExchange. Each of these programs act as a method to inform and influence those who look to broaden their horizon, and they act as guided interactions for those who look to create a dialogue between American citizens and institutions and their counterparts.

Benjamin Reeves, for example, is a freelance writer from Colorado who is working in Guatemala, which happens to be the poorest country in Latin America. He reports on "unseen issues, people and places" in a nation that does not get very much media attention. In his writing, he addresses the community, national politics, ties with UNESCO and foreign monies.

"My work is focused on the nexus between the international economic system, national politics and local communities. The main question I will be seeking to answer in Antigua, Guatemala, is how the global economic crisis has affected individuals and communities in the third world," said Reeves.

He does this as a contributor for Beacon Reader, which is a unique newspaper experience that allows readers access to exclusive stories from writers from around the world, contingent on readers giving $5 per month. The $5 acts as a subscription or funding fee, and it grants access to all 50+ writers in 30+ countries who contribute to the publication.

The lengths of the programs vary depending on the country, funding, and other factors. And the costs of these programs vary depending on whether housing or hosting is provided, and if scholarships or grants are issued. Both fully-funded and self-funded programs are made available.

Beyond the U.S., Latin American countries do cultural exchanges with other nations. Exchanges have been established between Brazil and the Netherlands, and there are plans being developed so that Mexico and China might partner. However, the issue with Latin America being so receptive to foreign culture and ideologies is that other nations, particularly European countries, do not necessarily reciprocate this interest. In fact, according to the National University of Colombia, "In Europe the receptivity towards Latin-American culture is only present in some specialists groups but at a greater level there's asymmetry."

Western ideas constantly pour into foreign nations, whether asked for or not. Individuals in third world nations gain a fleeting understanding of how life is in America and Europe, while many Americans and Europeans often have no idea or interest about life in foreign countries. Creating an awareness of Latin America's music, artwork, political figures and iconic landmarks is beneficial to anyone who truly seeks global knowledge or global responsibility, or to anyone who claims to find value in the Latin aesthetic.